Cooper Kupp was No. 1 in the NFL vs. press coverage in 2017

Cooper Kupp primarily played in the slot as a rookie, which he’ll presumably do throughout his career. Although he’s on the bigger side for a player at that position, he has the route-running savvy and quickness to beat smaller cornerbacks inside.

After seeing this stat, too, no one should want to move him outside. He was outstanding against press coverage, ranking first in the NFL with a near-perfect passer rating generated.

All three receivers – excluding Travis Kelce – played in the slot, so obviously it’s easier for players in that position to beat press. They have a two-way go at the line of scrimmage, whereas boundary receivers only have room towards one side of the field.

Still, the fact that Kupp’s passer rating when targeted was 10.9 points higher than the next-closest player is eye-popping.

If he can eliminate some of the drop issues he had in Year 1, he’ll quickly become one of the best slot receivers in the NFL.

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